Full Fashioned Silk Hosiery - 1928

These were offered through the Gorcy Embroidery Journal- a monthly catalog from a Montreal based department company. This ad was in the August 1928 edition, so these fetching stockings would have been perfect for the daring flappers out there. They needed that "extra-wear" patch on the toe.

Two Beautiful Bird Cushions - Gorcy Catalog, 1928

  Hot-iron transfer patterns from the 1928 Gorcy Catalog. Because this was a Canadian company several of the ads are in English and French. 

You could also get this image hand painted on ecru or black satin. Yes please!

New and Attractive - The Japanese Design

This is one offering from the August 1928 Gorcy catalog. Gorcy was based in Montreal and many of the ads are in French and English. This one caught my eye because I haven't seen a Sewing Machine Scarf or one for a Phonograph. These were stamped patterns that came on different fabrics (at different prices) . Then you could buy cotton or silk embroidery floss 'make the article'.In 1925 Emile Gorcy patented his Transfer Ink with mutton fat as the main ingredient. 

"Be it known that I, EMILE Gorcy, a citizen of the French Republic, residing at Montreal, Province of Quebec, Canada, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Transfer Ink...This transfer ink is formed of the following ingredients, preferably combined in the proportions indicated, namely: mutton fat,49 parts; black soap. 14 parts; and aniline coloring, 7 parts."

Bad Fashion Choices in 1955

While many fashions of the mid-fifties are wonderful there were also things like this. "Serbin of Miami pairs corduroy shorts with an egyptian cotton blouse and cummerbund, for your "at home" hours. About $14, at leading stores." Purple corduroy shorts??? Oh,well.
(BTW the Serbin of Miami folks were really from Fayetteville, Tennessee. Figures.)

McCall's Magazine - 1964 - Butte Knit Suit - Designed By Neuma Agins for Jonathan Logan

I admit not knowing the name Butte Knit, but I should. According to the Vintage Fashion Guild they were, as part of Jonathan Logan the largest producers of women's clothing in the world during the sixties. And while information was hard to come by for Neuma Agins there is this article that was published in Money magazine talking about some pretty amazing things she did after making a name for herself in the sixties designing wonderful things like this.

"A knit to treasure-and to wear and wear! Marvelously textured tweed with a button down jacket, brass buttons and posh self-facing on the lapels and pockets, Slim skirt. Flat knit overblouse with short sleeves. Double knit wool in ruby red (as shown), royal blue, green olive. Sizes 8 to 20. About $40.

At B. ALTMAN & CO., New York; BURDINE'S, Miami; DAYTON'S, Minneapolis & St. Paul; FREDERICK & NELSON, Seattle; J. W. ROBINSON, Los Angeles; MARSHALL FIELD, Chicago; SANGER-HARRIS, Dallas; WOODWARD & LOTHROP, Washington, D, C.; and all their branches ... and all fine stores everywhere. Or write Butte Knit, 1407 Broadway, New York 18."

McCall's Magazine - Little Girls' Fashions For The Class Of '64

"The Brightest Little Fashions For The Cutest Little Girls"

Voted the Class Coquette
The sensation of the stag line, Sarah ("Miss Heartbreaker") dresses to please the lads; here, in a flirtatious little bib-front fashion of challis like blue and white check fabric. Betsy Daniels for Shepardess.

Named Our Star Reporters
Known affectionately as The Nose-for-News, Marian recognizes a fashion scoop in her brilliant chrome- yellow dress of twill-weave fabric, with this year's dropped waist and pleated skirt. R.A.R. Moppets.
Another journalist, Janie, just back from a Paris assignment, appears in a couture-inspired frock of Bois de Boulogne green with white accents, front panel pleating, and self-button trim.

Elected Most Sophisticated
Jet-Set Jetta, as her admirers (and they are legion!) call her, is a born fashion leader, always the first with the latest. Here, she previews a brand-new imported cotton that looks exactly like leather, in a dashing coat warmly lined in pile and wool plaid. Gastwirth.
Beneath the coat, Jetta wears pacesetting separates - a smart pleated skirt in plaid wool and an off-white ribbed sweater with a high neck. Girltown.

Crowned Poetess Laureate
Romantic and moody, Eileen loves nostalgic costumes, deep, dark colors. Here, she daydreams in a dress of wineberry-red plaid cotton, pleated from collar to hem. Suzanne Godart for Youngland.

Picked Sportswoman of the Year
A spirited competitor, Joan loves a winning combination, even in color. For example, her bright navy coat, cut like a long pea jacket and brilliantly accented in fashionable chrome yellow. Macwil.

Acclaimed Class Comedienne
Kerry the Comic loves wit and gaiety, selects a merry little wrap around fashion in an entertaining plaid. lt's of a wool-like Orlon and rayon blend, amusingly side-buckled. Cinderella.

Declared Outstanding Orator
Silver-tongued Cathy points with pride to American Fashion, illustrates with a wonderfully chic two-piece sailor dress of navy and gray, with a bright-red tie. Joan Bellew for Kate Greenaway.

Tagged Class Tomboy
An accomplished pugilist, Eileen ("Call me lke, fellows") wins rounds of applause in her Murphy-green melton jumper, trimmed with black braid and worn over a white turtleneck blouse. Belle Frocks.

Chosen Prima Ballerina
Laurie, whose terpsichorean talents range from the classic to the contemporary, swings out on the floor in a bright-red dress with a blouson top and whirling, full-pleated skirt. Betsy Daniels for Shepardess.

Called Most Talented Actress
Maureen, destined to be seen on the wide screen, chooses a perfect ingenue's costume, a navy-and white-check dress with a short-cropped wineberry corduroy jacket. Suzanne Godart for Youngland.

Dubbed Miss Intellect
Kerrie Ann, of the astronomical IQ, presents a brilliant study in green. Her bright Orlon-and-wool jersey has a backing for extra weight, is prolifically accordion-pleated. Peri Wolftnan for Suzy Brooks.

Selected Shyest Girl in Class
Laurie poses reluctantly in a quiet little dress of a wool-like fabric in palest dove gray, with precise navy piping and red-button trim, a small white collar. Robert Love for Joseph Love.

McCall's Magazine - August 1964 - Out Loud Red Life Stride Shoes

"Sparkles in the sun. Ignites under lights."

A Collection of Smart Aprons for the Coming Season - 1925

"The Pointed Effects and the Panels in These Patterns Give Slender Lines", Designs by Sadie P LeSueur

"You can not be successful unless..."

I hope you are well dressed in your speed boat!

In 1908 you would have been wearing your Cluett Shirt..."the care displayed in every stitch..."

An Arrow Collar - Lusitania, The Hit of The Season 1908

For the dapper, dashing men out there!

Mens Hats With Character - 1908

"Hawes" must have been the company name and "von Gal" the line? Not too catchy. Maybe that's why they aren't a household name now. Because the hats were great!
(But why did they need height, weight and waist measurement to fit a hat?)

Famous Actress Beauties from 1908, Part 2. How many do you know?

The lovely Louise Dresser was nominated for a Best Actress award at the first Acadamy Awards.


Pretty Charlotte Walker went from living in Galveston, Texas to appearing in London at age 19. How did that happen to a young girl?


The stunning Maxine Elliot spent most of her childhood living on her fathers sailing ship! She went on to have a full career, interesting marriages and even was awarded the Belgian Order of the Crown.

What fascinating women!

Famous Actress Beauties from 1908. How many do you know?

This is a collection of famous actresses from 1908.
First we have Isabel Irving who you can learn about here and here.


Next we have Margaret Anglin, who was "one of the most brilliant actresses of her day."



There isn't much information about Hattie Williams, do you know more?



Then a name you should know...the beautiful Billie Burke also known as Glinda the Good Witch of Oz. (Did you know she was 53 when she played that part?

More tomorrow!

"My wife says she cannot see how you do it for the money"

See what $65.00 (only $12.00 down) could buy you in 1892!

"We have never seen handsomer garments..."

"Absolutely necessary to the woman who wishes to dress well at moderate cost."

Pretty Patterns For Dreaming

I don't know how much actual sleeping you'd get done...but you'd LOOK like a dream!

"Send for this rainy day friend!"

"Silver-Sheen Raincoats bear Dame Fashion's seal of approval. They are jaunty creations-slim, trim, stylish, light-weight and so good looking."

Simplicity Fashion Preview 1950

Here are some more fabulous Fifties Fashion!

Simplicity Fashion Preview - Fabulous Summer Outfits from 1950

Some summer time looks from 1950 for the gals, grown-ups and girls!